Description
This creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce with Cream Cheese combines the rich flavors of crushed tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and smooth cream cheese to create a luscious sauce perfect for your favorite pasta dishes. Easy to prepare on the stovetop, this Italian-inspired sauce is a delightful twist on classic tomato sauce that is both comforting and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Creamy Elements
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
- ½ cup milk or cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the Oil and Sauté Onion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened, allowing the onion to become translucent and fragrant.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, ensuring the garlic releases its aroma without burning.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Add dried basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to thicken the sauce slightly and allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Add Cream Cheese: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the softened cream cheese cubes, continuing to stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce achieves a smooth, creamy texture.
- Incorporate Milk and Parmesan: Add the milk or cream and grated Parmesan cheese if using. Stir thoroughly to blend the creamy ingredients into the sauce.
- Final Simmer: Let the sauce simmer for another 2–3 minutes over low heat until everything is heated through and the sauce is silky.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the sauce hot over cooked pasta of your choice. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired for a fragrant finishing touch.
Notes
- This sauce pairs exceptionally well with penne, spaghetti, or rigatoni pasta shapes.
- For added protein, you can stir in cooked chicken, sausage, or ground beef.
- Using full-fat cream cheese will give you the creamiest and richest texture.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nutty, savory depth to the sauce.
